Cardio Workout Question for Cathe or Others in the Know

[luv2bhealthy]

I've been using the videos now for a couple of months. Right now I only use video not DVD. I am interested in Cardio workouts. I have Cardio Kicks which I absolutely love (has anyone noticed that the one guy looks like a cross between Chandler and Joey on Friends?) and All Step which I don't care for because the choreography slows me down too much and I don't get an adequate workout. Is there another video that would be good for the choreography challenged? I also use the Pure Strength Series (love it!) and Muscle Endurance (love it!) and Pyramid Series (love PUB, find PLB weight changing tedious). Also, if I need to really slim down and shape up hips, thighs, and buttocks, are the PS legs and PLB the correct tapes to use? Or should I be using something else? Would Rock Bottoms work? Or is the key keeping the weights light for lower body? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks to all who respond.

 

[kathryn]

Sounds like Kick, Punch and Crunch might be for you. Another workout that contains cardio but not complex choregraphy is Boot Camp. The cardio/plyo intervals are no-brainers as far as cardio is concerned, but they are effective as far as cardio is concerned.

I highly recommend that you consider getting a DVD player. KPC comes on DVD with Legs and Glutes,a good workout for toning the lower body, and there are some fun pre-mixes that combine elements of the two. The same with Boot Camp and Muscle endurance.

About PLB: I love this workout because I think it contains all the right moves you need to work the lower body. However, I HATE the speed of weight changes. Instead of rushing through the way Cathe and crew seem to do (which I think is both unnecessary for a good workout at best and risky at worst), I just take my time and use the weight changes as a rest period. This may help with the tedium factor. Another idea is to do the workout using dumbbells. At least for some of the sets.

For lower body slimming and shaping up, I think it depends somewhat on your build. Cardio is essential, of course. But for weights, some people (perhaps those who tend to have a smaller frame and don't bulk easily) moderate or even heavy weights can be effective. For those who have a stockier build (think Tony Little), I think light to moderate weights and higher reps. Stepping will help with the booty raise and roundness, while kickboxing will tone the whole lower body. At least that's how it works on me. Your mileage may vary.

 

[luv2bhealthy]

Kathryn,

Thanks so much for your help on this issue. I will take your advice on the workouts and consider a dvd player, too! ;-)